NEWS: are the new Sweeney Todd leads miscast? | Aaron Tveit and Sutton Foster join Broadway revival

[@randy5986]

I booked tickets to their first show on Feb 9th and also their last show on May 5 as soon as I heard they were announced as the replacements. It was a no brainer for me. Sutton Foster and Aaron Tveit are two of my favorite performers. They each had solo concerts at Lincoln Center’s Appel Room a few years back and I went to both. The chance to see them together in Sweeney Todd was too great to pass up. Pretty sure they wouldn’t have taken these roles if they thought they couldn’t handle it. I’m keeping an open mind and hoping to be pleasantly surprised.

[@jacquelineking6383]

They should have cast Joshua Henry. Would’ve been great. He has the vocal range and power and he proved in the Carousel revival that he can handle dark material. I agree that Sutton Foster will be great - a much better fit than Music Man, which should have gone to Jessie Mueller. In my next life, I’ll be a broadway casting director!

[@marcusscott9729]

I agree with you. The role of Marian in The Music Man is a soprano and Sutton is an alto. She was miscast in that one. She will be playing Winnafred. In Once Upon a Mattress in January. Now that role is perfect for her.

[@julianasuplee6900]

So excited to Sutton in OUAM!

[@stevepotfora7461]

Just so you know, casting directors do not cast the principles. They make suggestions but it is the the producer, who decides who the principles will be and the replacements... Actually, they decide on anyone who gets hired. They tell the casting dir who to hire.

[@Anime_theatre_lover]

@@marcusscott9729I’d say she’s kinda both. She also played Fiona in shrek the musical and Jo in little women and those are both soprano roles

[@thekermitkid1992]

Joshua would be an amazing choice!

[@breenope6019]

I saw this last week- with theses actors, and Sutton Foster was AMAZING Aaron was surprisingly great as well- for the entire show, his voice was placed at a lower register than it generally is Absolutely wonderful show though!

[@Pretzils1031]

I think Sutton will be wonderful, my issue is with Tveit. As a Bass-Baritone it's really upsetting to see one of the very limited iconic Bass-baritone roles being taken by a tenor in an already tenor dominated industry. It honestly feels like a slap in the face.

[@XMagiX21]

completely agree 100%. Sutton is actually amazingly cast for the role I think. But Aaron, the most tenor of all Broadway tenors.... that's just a big no. Too young and "pretty" for me

[@tracyhickson5044]

@@XMagiX21 Too young? He just turned 40. 🤨

[@HunterHuiet]

@@XMagiX21 If Terrence Mann was younger I could see him as Sweeney Todd. Now with him being up there in age, I could see him as Judge Turpin. Who would be your pick for Sweeney?

[@jacksonhoopah]

I LOVE Sutton with my whole heart!! She's one of my favorite actresses at the moment, I think she's going to be an amazing Lovett. I also have an issue with Aaron Tviet. @Pretzils1031, I agree with your complaint, though it isn't my main one. Sweeney Todd is a very actable role, but it's famously challenging. The Aaron Tviet performances that I've seen have read as 'I looked up what sadness is in a book, and I'm doing that'. I'm not trying to be mean, I LOVE Aaron Tivet's voice, but I think that he's miscast in this role.

[@esquatrito]

@@HunterHuietI actually saw Terrence Mann as Sweeney at Connecticut Repertory Theater a while ago! He was my first Sweeney and he was spectacular!!

[@somshunsun]

I so feel Aaron fits more in the role of Anthony - nowhere near right for the darkness/grittiness that Sweeney’s vocals demand. I am intrigued by what he will do to make it his own but I am very skeptical it will carry the gravitas that the show calls for. We shall see! It’s clear they wanna keep the show running and it’s definitely a way to sell tickets

[@camara1194]

He sounded absolutely incredible!

[@amitmeir8109]

Honestly, those were exactly my thoughts about the cast. I did wish we'll get Alan Cumming and Kristen Chenoweth in the leading roles, mainly because of Schmicago

[@sarahgibb1735]

Exactly, please make this happen

[@dukeofrodtown1705]

That should have happened. And NEEDS to happen.

[@nicolem.1521]

Maybe after their 12 week run?🥲

[@JLX1373]

Alan Cumming does not have the vocal chops

[@yriverspelle]

@@JLX1373 Food for thought... perhaps it's less about vocal perfection than the outrageous character

[@lexterminate]

I book my tickets for February 14 and I’m admittedly a huge Aaron fan. I saw Josh and Annaleigh in Sweeney in July so I’m excited to see a different take with the two new leads. I can admit to Aaron feeling like an odd choice, but I do really believe he’s going to do a great job. I will see when I go in February!

[@joemeyers3127]

I think people should wait and see. Foster & Tveit are major talents - give them a chance.

[@clevm002]

I think Sutton Forster was born for something like this, just other roles never let her express her full potential. I've always felt this about her... She's energy in a bottle and no one will let her out.

[@AnnelisR]

You NAILED it. I think she’ll be fantastic and I can’t wait!

[@DanaDAlessandro]

Having seen the original with Angela Lansbury and Len Cariou, it was difficult to imagine anyone else in the roles. I love Aaron Tveit and would see him in anything, and Sutton Foster has been highly entertaining in everything I have seen her in. As Mrs Lovett, she did not disappoint. She brought a more overtly lovesick looks, and energetic physical comedy to the role, but ultimately I found her characterization very heartfelt and moving. Despite not being a baritone, I thought Aaron Tveit was great. His voice is spectacular. Despite the fact that they are both on the younger side, it was not an issue.at all He brought that dark, brooding, angry tone of a man who was wronged and lost everything, but he also displayed more of the heartbreak of the character, which made him more than a vengeful lunatic. So despite the naysayers, I have to say I thought they were both great. They also had believable chemistry, and kudos to Tveit for not laughing out loud at Foster's antics in By The Sea! As a side note, Joe Locke was also terrific-sweet, innocent, and with a lovely voice.

[@pumpkinpastie]

As an Aussie, the exchange rate during my visit to NYC was pretty poor so I initially balked at the idea of buying orchestra seating for Sweeney Todd on Broadway… but I am SO glad I did. Hands down best money I’ve spent this year. A superb production and I feel so lucky to have seen Groban and Ashford. Great vid as always!

[@sevensongs]

I wouldn't be surprised if Tveit has a bigger range than we've seen so far. Sweeney is a role that he may well be using to show his breadth. I hope I'm right in that! I wouldn't want to see them change the score for his voice.

[@blue_musicals]

He played Booth in Assassins and if I remember correctly they had to opt a few notes higher for him because they were too low

[@ChienaAvtzon]

@@blue_musicals - There are sound bits of Aaron Tveit in “Assassins”, and his voice is still as bright as ever. It is irrelevant how manic he appears on stage, if his voice still sounds like a stereotypical Disney Prince. Before anyone mentions Josh Groban portraying a Disney Prince, he was The Beast who has a warm baritone voice.

[@saraescobedo4278]

Yeah, I actually think Aaron Tveit’s gonna be great in this role because he’s talked about wanting to do Sweeney Todd and when I saw his Christian on Broadway the final time… I saw him in Moulin Rouge three times his Christian got dark by the end and they made jokes about the character actually being a serial killer from the US and that’s why he fleas to France… Yeah, Aaron Tveit can go really dark and I think that everyone will love that since that was one of the critiques that Josh got was that he wasn’t dark enough

[@Mrs.Magix58]

you aren't right in that at all. a voice as high as his CANNOT sound good in the range that is required for Sweeney. no matter what he does, he CANNOT make those notes sound good.

[@Mrs.Magix58]

​@saraescobedo4278 the problem isn't darkness, the problem is depth. he can't go low at all.

[@booksvsmovies]

It's crazy to me that Aaron Tveit has been cast as Sweeny cause even at 40 it doesn't look like he's aged out of playing Anthony. But hey, I won't knock it until we've had a chance to see him in the role.

[@juliannehannes11]

He has that Leo blessing and curse of having an eternal young man voice and look

[@onthemetro410]

Not worried at all about Sutton... but I am wondering about Aaron Tveit. He's an amazing performer, his voice is heaven, but as Sweeney??? Stunt casting is of course a thing, but to me Aaron doesn't seem like the type to risk looking like a weak link...like if he's going take a role, he's got to be pretty sure he can pull it off. So maybe he's been hiding this amazing baritone range from us this whole time just waiting for this moment. At least I hope.

[@roycerowland6162]

Aaron could be amazing as Sweeney Todd I am hopeful that he will be brilliant

[@evanpeay]

THEY BOTH ARE EXCELLENT

[@philf_]

When Sutton Foster and Aaron Tveit were announced, my first thought was, “I’ve got to see this!”

[@rmdewberry2482]

Love Sutton and Aaron. Heard this and made a quizzical face. I think you are right that it feels odd, especially vocally for Aaron. However, I will say, my body is ready for more tenor villains and more bass heroes. It's a trope that's hard to break. Though, I don't know if if can be broken with a revival show because the audience feels so strongly sentimental about the material.

[@mecondit]

I think Sutton will be great. I wish they had cast Joshua Henry or Norm Lewis as Sweeney, that would have been incredible.

[@sweetmagicalbaby]

Yes Norm was incredible in this role off Broadway a few years back ❤❤❤

[@cutephantomJCAGdoll]

And also Jon Jon Briones as Sweeney too! I really want him to be next Sweeney so bad!

[@annegasko7719]

I have such mixed feelings around the idea of actors having a 'type'. Growing up as a performer who didn't 'fit' many types (plus size, sassy/brassy personality but soprano vocals) I always wanted to believe that anyone could play anything...we are actors after all. However, I also had to be painfully aware of what the industry thought my 'type' was, as I just wouldn't be seen for any other roles (this is like 10-15 years ago when things were a little more cookie cutter). So in general, I get excited seeing talented people being cast against type. I have no issue making superficial changes to the material or even the characterisation as long as it still feel right in context and serves the greater story. However...for me that excitement is usually for underrepresented people getting a chance at a role previously they would have been told they were 'wrong for' (Jade Jones as Belle, for example). Less so when taking a successful, classically handsome leading tenor and putting him into a bass/baritone role that's really made for an incredible character actor. I'm sure he won't be bad per se, but it just feels like...why him? As for Sutton...like you said, in Sutton we trust. Also interesting to note, you mentioned that Sondheim often wrote for slightly older female characters. Sutton is in her late 40s, and it's interesting that she's not generally considered in that category. I think it mostly speaks to the fact that in media, we don't see a whole lot of women at that age realistically. Women are either 20 year old ingénues or 50 year old grandmothers. Sutton is gorgeous and full of life but also has the depth and experience, and I for one am SO excited for her to hit her Sondheim era.

[@sweeney60]

My dream casting is still Hannah Waddingham and Patrick Page. It won’t ever happen but a gay can dream.

[@gloriouslyimperfect]

That’s an intriguing pair. I would love to see Patrick do Sweeney. ❤

[@tmfpunk]

Dear God they would be such a dynamic pair ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Midlander83]

Hannah Waddingham HAS to do Lovett one day!

[@heartofstone_]

I'm excited to see what they bring to the roles. I agree the casting is a bit unexpected/unusual, but Aaron wanted to play Sweeney for a long time. I'm sure he will give everything to deliver a great performance.

[@julianasuplee6900]

I’m excited to see what they bring to their roles as well. Hopefully there will be clips of them, as I won’t be seeing the show. OUAM is more my speed. Break a leg to both of them!!

[@debbiegitner1130]

Just saw Sweeney Todd 10/29 and was disappointed that Josh, Garten and Ruthie were out (Josh had the flu). Still saw the show with the understudy who were terrific. Noticed a few changes since I saw it in previews. Nicholas Christopher was a more sinister Sweeney and Ruthie's understudy was just as good. Gaten 's was as endearing but it was some of his parts at the end that we noticed were better than in previews. The person who told us that Josh was not in the performance also told us tha Aaron Tveit & Sutton Foster were taking over. We will see it again as we are fans of Aaron who is from our hometown -Middletown NY. We know him since he was in our High School musicals in the 1990's. I believe he will embrace the role and make it his own.❤

[@gracebaumgarten8900]

How cool that you knew Aaron from his high school days. From what I’ve read about that time is that Aaron had the “it” factor from the beginning. And look how hard he has worked since to get where he is. I agree he will pour himself into the role and impress the naysayers.

[@jennybrandt5188]

I saw "Sweeney Todd" 10/25 (matinee). Josh and Annaleigh were out; however, Josh Groban was on "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon" on 10/25 (they tape the show at 5:00 p.m.) so I'm not sure Josh Groban was sick. The understudy at "Sweeney Todd" was fantastic though. We had fifth row center seats; however, it was difficult to understand what the Annaleigh Ashford understudy was saying--that's the problem with the accent. This is why Angela Lansbury was so great in the role--the enunciation skills are very important. I think Sutton Foster will nail the part. I think Aaron will probably be great in the part too.

[@dizkidliz]

I saw Jeanna de Waal as Mrs. Lovett last night (I think Annaleigh Ashford is currently ill), and she was incredible and had amazing comedic timing! The understudies for Antony and Pirelli were also in last night and were fantastic. I think Sutton will be perfect and I also think Aaron can make it his own.

[@BroadwayFan-s7h]

There have been other tenors/singers with "youthful" voices that have successfully transitioned to Baritone/older roles like Sweeney. And based on seeing Aaron and Josh in a couple of roles live, I think Aaron is the better actor--and the acting side of Sweeney shouldn't be underestimated. Vocally of course it will be an adjustment, Josh sounds like an opera singer that has chosen to do pop/musicals. He was is vocally strong that he sometimes overshadowed the other cast members he was singing with--especially early on in the run when the sound engineers were working on balancing it out. I was in one early performance where the mics cut out and Josh's voice still carried--he's that powerful. But Josh had to work so hard to seem scary/menacing--early performances seemed like he though just playing depressed. He eventually got there--and learned to play off of Annaleigh. Aaron, on the other hand, can flip a switch and get angry/passionate and hold the audience in thrall. In concert, his voice seems to be getting more mature. And Sutton will make an excellent scene partner. With Annaleigh, there was a heartbreaking unrequited romanticism beneath the Lovett antics. I have a feeling that Sutton may choose a more sensual/dangerous vibe with Aaron as a screen partner. I would be demented...but twistedness is what we love about these characters...

[@theboringkaren]

One of my coworkers wondered if they’re gonna do a rotation of broadway stunt casting for this show since Aaron and Sutton are a limited run, which would be SOMETHING (I already wished for a Carolee and Norm reunion). And if so, hopefully Sweeney comes back to a bari/bass.

[@jennybrandt5188]

I prefer Sweeney Todd as a bari-tenor. The songs are so emotional (hate, revenge, lost love, etc.) and I think a tenor really brings out those feelings.

[@selectedshipper8282]

I mean, if you told me this was the cast yesterday I wouldn’t believe you, but who knows? Maybe they’ll do great.

[@sc1592]

I keep reminding myself that just because we haven’t seen someone do something before, that doesn’t mean they can’t. Sutton Foster is such a big role model for me, I’m excited to see what she does and I’m happy they’re giving her a chance to do something different. I’m more skeptics of Tveit mostly because he reads so young on stage both in his looks and sound. I hope he blows it out of the water for his own sake lol

[@jacksonhoopah]

I love how you can be a skeptic, but you're still really nice about it, and you gave them your best wishes. I am 100% on the same page with your opinions

[@julianasuplee6900]

Likewise 👍 Glad I got tickets to see her in Once Upon a Mattress, that’s more my speed. Not into gore, nor this story. A big Sutton Foster fan though, love that we’re birthday twins.

[@jacksonhoopah]

@@julianasuplee6900 luckyyyy! that you share a birthday with her and that you got tickets to her once upon a mattress😂

[@skallywalla502]

I saw Sutton Foster as Reno in Anything Goes, didnt know who she was at the time and literally couldn't take my eyes off her. I would never have cast her as Marian but I think she'll do an amazing job with Mrs Lovett. As others have noted, it's her energy. But I'll say it's her *presence.* She can take up an entire stage just by standing there. Aaron Tveit - I don't doubt he can do the acting. But the vocal quality doesn't feel right.

[@dietdrpepper15]

This is Aaron’s very first Zaddy role. We gotta give him a chance.

[@EmmaTheCowie]

The announcement pic was very Zaddy indeed. And I’m HERE👏🏼FOR👏🏼IT👏🏼

[@cernunnos_rex]

But he doesn't have the right voice type. Sure, a lot of tenors can manage baritone material, but the man couldn't sound like baritone if he tried.

[@auntieashcraft]

HAHAHA this is so funny!!!!!!!!!!! 🤣

[@ChienaAvtzon]

@@cernunnos_rex - Heck, even Jeremy Jordan (who is also a tenor) would have been better suited for this than Aaron Tveit.

[@cernunnos_rex]

@@ChienaAvtzon God, you're right. At least Jeremy has some warmth in his voice that he could incorporate. Aaron's trademark is that cool, bright tenor sound.

[@myrtlewrenwood]

Isn't it strange that while musical theater is stretching or eliminating so many boundaries these days (long overdue), some folks hold such tight notions concerning "appropriate" vocal ranges or voice quality? Why must "evil" or "old" be cast in terms of dark and low? And "good" or "young" in terms of light and high? It's time to break, or at least stretch, those stereotypes/conventions, too. Transpose, if need be. As for the new Sweeney casting? I look forward to seeing how Foster and Tveit with their undeniable talents stretch our perceptions of Lovett and Todd. Tickets are in my phone.

[@Simplenotion]

the difference is that this kind of casting fortunes the people that are still immensely privileged in terms of casting (conventionally attractive, young looking white people with higher voice types) and thus is not necessarily a step forward.

[@rebekahsegun8319]

And I'm betting the people saying stuff like this would laugh at the idea of casting an alto, or even a mezzo soprano as Christine Daae.

[@stevepotfora7461]

Legitimate composers use all of the different voice colors when they write a musical or opera. There already is a tenor in Sweeney Todd, the character that Aaron looks and sounds right for, Anthony. Fortunately, the Judge is also supposed to be a baritone so that sound is not completely missing from this production. The tune a baritone sings and one of a tenor, are not interchangeable. Composers write differently for different style voices. One writes differently for a trumpet then they would for a cello ,not just because the trumpet is higher but because because the instrument is a totally different tone color.

[@dukeofrodtown1705]

I really think Aaron isn't appropriate for this role vocally - he was DEFINITELY miscast in my opinion, and there's no mistaking why. Sutton Foster on the other hand is a perfect fit for Lovett!

[@edgarfranceschi8338]

For a really bass-baritone sound in this part, no one can beat Bryn Terfel in the concert version with The NY Philharmonic some years ago.

[@williamgardiner2010]

With a quite delightful Emma Thompson when a semi-staged production arrived at London’s Coliseum theatre. He had some years before also starred opposite a delightful Maria Friedman as Mrs Lovett at the Royal Festival Hall. We are fortunate in London to have had at least seven productions since the 1990s.

[@edgarfranceschi8338]

Emma Thompson was terrific.@@williamgardiner2010

[@kningb]

I'm going to see the show next week. I'm a huge Aaron Tveit fan and am looking forward to seeing what he does with the role. I'm also very excited to see Joe Locke (Heartstopper) in the role of Tobias. From some sound bites, he sounds incredible.

[@carolinedoherty3169]

They are both hugely talented and will adapt and bring their own take on the characters, don’t understand the hate before they have even had a chance to perform.

[@rebekahsegun8319]

I think a lot of the hate is coming from baritones who feel like one of their few leading roles is once again being taken by a tenor.

[@scribbly2983]

I'm incredibly skeptical. Once Upon a Mattress? Great, absolutely in Foster's wheelhouse. Maybe she has some skills she hasn't displayed before but I just haven’t seen her do a Mrs. Lovett style before.

[@julianasuplee6900]

I’m super excited to see Sutton in OUAM! I won’t be seeing her in this because Sweeney is not the show for me, but I think she can pull it off.

[@KT-sq2ml]

When is Once Upon a Mattress scheduled to open?

[@EmmaTheCowie]

Sweaty Oracle on TikTok made (screamed 🙈) a really good point: that there are not many lead roles for baritones on Broadway, so to take one away and cast a tenor, an amazing (and very hot…) tenor yes, but still a tenor - is really doing everyone a disservice. And I LLLLLOOOOOVVVEEE Aaron Tveit. I want him to succeed and hope he does - but I do see S.O’s point.

[@juliannehannes11]

Same. I love Aaron Tveit, a fan since 2010 but in my heart of hearts I fully believe it should have been Josh Henry not him. Yes Aaron can play menacing but not the raw grizzly Sweeney type of menacing and once again he's a tenor that relies on sweeping high belts of passionate longing and lovelorn angst at a turning point not deep gutteral growling low belts of roaring rage boiling over.

[@TheTradge]

My first thought when I saw Aaron had been cast was "but...he's a tenor, Sweeney's a bass-baritone...?" as the lowest note for Sweeney is an F2, which is an octave and a half below middle C, so I do feel like he's an unusual choice given that he will probably struggle with some of the lower notes, plus his voice doesn't have the same richness as bass-baritones like Len Cariou, Norm Lewis or Brian Stokes Mitchell. He definitely however has the right intensity, and is around the right age, albeit is perhaps too conventionally attractive/glamorous? We will see is all I can say, but I am apprehensive more than anything. Sutton I think could be fab as Mrs Lovett, she is brilliant in comedic roles, and the character definitely fits within Sutton's vocal range. She was definitely not suited to the role of Marian in Music Man, I felt she struggled with some of the higher notes, even with the key altered, she's definitely first and foremost a mezzo with a really strong belt/second passage, and whoever's idea it was to cast her in a soprano role needs firing and never allowed to cast a musical again. The role of Mrs L is well suited to her I think, definitely more so than the role of Sweeney to Aaron.

[@gracebaumgarten8900]

Of course, he gorgeous… but that’s what makeup and costumes are for. He will bring his own interpretation as all artists do when they take over a part.

[@TheTradge]

@@gracebaumgarten8900 oh I'm sure he will, it's just the bass-baritone range of Sweeney from what I've heard of Aaron does not fall within his comfortable tessitura, it would be like casting Reeve Carney as Hades in Hadestown. As I mentioned Sweeney's lowest note is an F2, and I've heard him try to sing lower, he struggles when he gets down to a G2, sounds more like he's using a vocal fry more than anything, and you need proper clarity if you're going to sing Sweeney's lower notes properly. I know you're being optimistic, but for me I have to agree with Mickey, this is a miscast.

[@thaiswinmill2153]

I’m honestly thrilled about both of them. I think they’re both incredibly talented and that they’ll do fantastic. I actually look forward to a “lighter” Sweeney as I feel this is going to add a lot to a dark character.

[@isaacrichter3269]

Funny you didn't mention that Aaron Tveit played Enjolras in the film version of Les Misérables (that's where I think most people who aren't as attuned to Broadway will recognize him from)... That said, I have the same concerns as you regarding him as Sweeney, especially when I remember that they put Johnny Depp, another tenor, in the film version and you could tell he was struggling with the notes (I haven't seen Josh Groban's take, but given his voice, I do buy him more).

[@kallen868]

I didn't even realize that was him in Les Miz. I know him better from Grease Live! But of course...that came after.

[@jennybrandt5188]

Johnny Depp isn't a singer so he shouldn't be compared with these talented, trained singers (and that's a nice way of putting it). I did enjoy him in the movie though.

[@dwzordel]

I feel like everyone is jumping to a snap decision with this casting announcement. Aaron Tveit is an incredible actor and I'm sure he will bring a different take on Sweeney just as Josh has, and even Johnny for that matter. At least give him a chance to show what he can do instead of throwing him in a "tenor only" box

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

It's less a tenor only box and more acknowledging that bass baritones have fewer roles in contemporary musical theatre as it stands.

[@dwzordel]

​@@MickeyJoTheatre I get that there are less of those parts to go around, what I was trying to say is don't judge a book by it's cover or title, especially before a note has been sung. It also has a lot to do with the comments with people saying how "upsetting" it is or your comment about just picking a Tony winner out of a hat rather than acknowledging that he's a very talented actor in his own right both on stage and on screen. All I was saying was give him a chance.

[@lonellfletcher]

What I hate is the disrespect these two are receiving as if they haven't given enough proof that they can pull of these parts. Such easy dismissal just stuns me.

[@leahjennings9181]

My mom said that the casting makes it seem that Sweeney Todd would not sell tickets if they didn't have big names, which makes both me and her sad, as we love Sweeney Todd and think Sondheim is a musical genius, and it shouldn't be the case that people will only see big names(and there are musicals that are currently on broadway that don't have big names, but aren't closing anytime soon).

[@jennybrandt5188]

When they choose big names, the actors/singers are out a lot promoting their projects so I don't see how the musicals make a lot of money. Also, I would rather hear a trained Broadway singer than a big name with no Broadway experience.

[@bardboy18]

My hope for you is that the Sunday revival with Annaleigh and Jake Gyllenhaal makes it to London. I saw it during its limited run on Broadway, having beat a very fast path from Encores, and the two are terrific together. I love pieces which allow actors to reinterpret characters made iconic by their originators. Jake in particular stood far apart from Mandy Pantinkin's interpretation, making the choice that George is alone in the world not just because of his art, but because he is that somewhat awkward nerd who never fits in in a crowd. Jake achieved what Mandy, for all his vocal dexterity, could not: he made George likeable. And this sort of proves a point: NOBODY thought Gyllenhaal was up to the task of playing George (and before that, Seymour in Little Shop), but he blew everybody away. Let's give Tveit and Foster a chance in Sweeney! Can't we reserve judgement on their performances until they actually give them?

[@itsmaggiemay4085]

Got my tickets for it on Feb 11! super excited but as a big aaron fan i thought the same but then my husband reminded me of how he played Christian in the second half with Roxanne and Rolling in the Deep/Crazy he can get there and with his skills and commitment i see it happening. really excited for it

[@beltingtokra]

Sutton is gonna slaaaay❤ open minded abiut Aaron, he wouldn't have been cast if he couldn't do it. Editing to say you forgot Tveitt was Enjy in the film of les mis,😂 i think he can do brooding demon barber

[@kchrules775]

Also when Sutton played Marian, they added an opening verse back into “My White Knight” that was cut out of town. It was patter like “Trouble.” Barbra Cook sang it at a live concert once (and of course early on in Music Man rehearsals), but it should have stayed on the cutting room floor.

[@tighmalone3]

You know what, I think we just have to wait and see how it all unfolds. It was interesting to me to see Sutton announced as Annaleigh's replacement (who I thought was wonderful in Sunday but was missing just a little something as Mrs. Lovett - though she was better than Helena Bonham Carter in the film who couldn't even sing!) and I'm not quite sure about Aaron who I think just doesn't have the right voice for Sweeney. He looks good in the press released photo but I think he's kind of sexy in real life but do we need that aspect because Johnny Depp is sexy and well though his Sweeney was more dark like it should be. Sweeney is one of my favorite Sondheim shows and I've only seen a local production at Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre here in Chicago which I thought was exciting to see for my first time live! Because it was a cabaret theatre, you are right amongst the performances. When Sweeney slashed the throats of his victims - twice the blood splashed my face which was a great touch! I say let’s wait and see but it is certainly curious casting.

[@johnbliss9330]

I'm actually more excited about this new cast than the original revival cast. I didn't travel to New York to see the revival, though I would have liked to, but I'm already making plans to see the new cast. Josh Groban may be more suited as a singer, but he bores me as an actor. I remember seeing him in The Great Comet and wondering what all the fuss was about. I find Aaron Tveit a much more interesting performer, and his work in Schmicago should do away with any doubt that he can act the role. Of course Sutton Foster is a goddess.

[@jennybrandt5188]

I love Josh Groban. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see him in the role (saw his understudy) but nothing about him bores me at all.

[@jvmbmc]

I've seen Sweeney twice with Josh and AnnaLeigh so first name basis 😊. I understand the discussion and concern about Tviet and Foster but personally I am willing to wait and see they are both wonderful performers and I trust Kail to use them appropriately. BTW I have tickets to an April matinee.

[@jennybrandt5188]

I've heard that you stand a better chance of seeing the leading actors in the evening--not at a matinee. I know that Josh and Annaleigh didn't sign programs for most matinees and I think (not positive) that they missed more matinees than evening performances. I've been to a lot of Broadway musicals and I missed Julie Andrews because she was out for the matinee but saw her the next evening.

[@TheMonicaAlison]

I agree with your takes on how fit Sutton and Aaron are for Sweeney Todd! My thoughts on Aaron taking the title role are similar to how I feel about Jordan Fisher taking over as Orpheus: their predecessors are leaving large shoes to fill and it feels odd that they went in this direction. But as for Sutton foster, I love her a lot and I plan on getting Once Upon a Mattress tickets for my mom for Christmas. Also I must ask: when you saw Moulin Rouge this spring with Aaron in it, did he sing the high note in Roxanne??

[@lindaweight6176]

I saw Moulin Rouge on Broadway in March when Aaron had returned to his original role for a short stint and he was fantastic. Critics said Josh Groban was too young and too likable for Sweeney but audiences have proven them wrong Aaron just celebrated 20 years in musical theater, so I don't think he would have taken the job if he wasn't able to fill Josh's shoes and the theater's seats and $$.

[@ChienaAvtzon]

@@lindaweight6176 - Josh Groban is several years older than Len Cariou was, when he originated the role of Sweeney Todd. Groban mentioned, in an interview, that it seems people have not realized he is no longer a teenager. That 25 years have passed, since he was catapulted to superstardom. PS: I saw Aaron Tveit on his first performance back in “Moulin Rouge”, and he sang that high note even higher than he normally does.

[@gloriouslyimperfect]

Ive never understood judging a performance before it even happens. This is the part of fandom that is not in my wheelhouse and I can honestly find super annoying. Judge whether or not they do a good job based on what you see, not what you perceive to be wrong before they even get a chance to perform. These are both top notch ACTORS - you know, the idea of being able to turn into anything is kinda their jobs - let them do their jobs and then pass judgement on what actually happens.

[@gracebaumgarten8900]

I couldn’t agree with you more. Aaron is a more complex actor than he has shown in his Broadway roles. In his television role as Mike Warren, in Graceland, ie., (especially in season 3) he becomes addicted to painkillers and goes thru the roller coaster of emotions and cycles of frustration and helplessness that accompany addicts. I recall being enormously surprised and impressed with his acting chops. Aaron has been aware of his typecasting and has been chomping at the bit to play a dark character and Sweeney Todd was a particular role he was hoping to inhabit. He has historically been a very disciplined person with great work ethics, and I have no doubt he will pull out all the stops to succeed and prove his naysayers wrong.

[@christopherbutler1980]

When I said on social media that I thought Sutton was miscast as Marion, the teeming masses CAME FOR ME! Glad to see I'm not alone.

[@scribbly2983]

All you have to do is listen to the cast album. Her version of "My White Knight" is just painful.

[@christopherbutler1980]

@@scribbly2983 Yup! It's like the Met casting a contralto as Mimi or Violetta. No thank you.

[@julianasuplee6900]

I liked Sutton as Marian because I thought she made the role her own. However, I wasn’t a fan of her “My White Knight” either.

[@jameshicks6435]

My issue with Sutton as Marian (and I had the same issue with Hugh Jackman's Harold Hill) is that both played their characters as too "sunny" and likeable from the beginning. There was no real coldness to Foster's Marian any more than there was any danger or threat in Jackman's Hill. I think Sutton will be great comically as Mrs. Lovett, but my guess is that the dark side of Lovett will almost entirely disappear in her performance. That's too bad because, in my opinion, one of the strength's of Sweeney Todd is the richness and sophistication of the characters. Mrs. Lovett is charming and a loving, maternal presence for Toby, but she's completely amoral as well. I don't think Sutton is capable of portraying that darkness. But she'll be funny and energetic.

[@scribbly2983]

@@jameshicks6435 yes, one of the most chilling moments in Sweeney Todd is when Mrs. Lovett offers up a line of "Not While I'm Around" while looking for Toby after he's put together some of what is going on.

[@Ginger18420]

Sutton will slay. She’s great casting. She’s like what 45? Appropriate. Aaron… girl he’s a tenor

[@uhuhuh1966]

I’m a tenor just like Aaron, sang all of his songs in college and was always compared…I would DIE trying to sing Sweeney lol it’s just not physically possible I can never sing that low he’s going to have to change the key of all of the songs which is just sacrilegious to Sondheim imo

[@CanadianChick811]

When I heard Annaleigh's "accent" in Kinky Boots, I knew her Mrs. Lovett wouldn't have a good one either. LOL.

[@garretts874]

Agree that Annaleigh is fine in the role even with her jacked up accent. I saw her in Sunday too and that was the moment I became a fan - she was amazing there. So, I give her some leeway with this especially because she has so much charisma. I am curious about Aaron, because I love him but thought he was miscast in Moulin Rouge too and hope it doesn't happen here. Likewise with Sutton - love her but she was miscast in Music Man. So, fingers crossed.

[@lindakahler4799]

A big Tveit fan. When he sang Roxanne in moulin Rouge it was even better than Sting i will be there

[@kningb]

I'm not usually a fan of that song, but when he sang it, it was so intense and stunning.

[@rbbbc132]

I have seen the revival and Groban and Ashford are INCREDIBLE. My enjoyment of these two has led me to be open to the idea of Tveit and Sutton. And it's actually gotten me wanting to buy tickets and go see it when they take over.

[@katiebj180]

I can't lie, I'm obsessed with both of them, so I'm excited! Though I definitely understand why baritones might be salty.

[@davidduaneh]

Thank you for pronouncing Moulin Rouge correctly. Finally someone got it right…

[@linkzelda8610]

Couldnt Aaron’s high voice provide some really interesting contrast to the gritty story and acting? I know hes not set for the role from points of vocal range, but maybe this is gonna create a new sweeney that might be pretty interesting. Im excited for his acting choices and his take on the role. Im sure its gonna be a hate it or love it situation, but sometimes its good if stuff gets reinvented

[@Mrs.Magix58]

no, it very much couldn't.

[@linkzelda8610]

@@Mrs.Magix58 thats fine, im gonna wait and see :D you do you

[@louyou5667]

That is the first time I heard the rumor of Sunday going to the Savoy. Would buy tickets in an instant.

[@Shag471]

Producers casting actors that sell tickets to keep investors happy and the show running IS Broadway. Personally, I cannot wait to see what they can do with these roles. I also have a friend in this production but that has nothing to do with my views.

[@David-le2kr]

Foster and Tveit could be phenomenal, and I'm more excited about this pairing the Ashford and Groban. While acknowledging the legal issues with altering music (even just to transpose keys) in a licensed show, I have no artistic or moral qualms with it. Arguments about the "composer's intent" make me roll my eyes. The composer's intent was to put the song in a key that the star of the original production could sing. If they have to knock Sweeney's songs up a third or so to highlight Tveit's voice, I hope they can work it out with MTI and do it.

[@nonyabusiness2510]

Well you are wrong the role is cast based on the person being able to sing it the way it's written not the other way around.

[@David-le2kr]

@@nonyabusiness2510 Nah. Most people (especially those who are buying tickets) care more about the look and charisma of the actors, not what key they're singing the song in (or even know what a key is). Producers understand that, and they understand that the "little Broadway cunts" (as Tina Fey deliciously called them) of social media are a pearl clutching minority who will probably still buy a ticket (if they can afford it).

[@lauraanderson8574]

Aaron Tveit can sing anything, in my opinion, so I'm excited to see this

[@Catticomb]

I saw Sweeney with Groban’s understudy, Nicholas Christopher, and he was utterly and hauntingly perfect in the role. I would 100% recommend seeing him in the interim between Josh and Aaron!

[@jameshicks6435]

I wholeheartedly agree, even though I think he's more of a tenor than a baritone (though without the boyish quality that Tveit's has). However -- and I seem to be in the minority on this -- I thought Jeanna de Waal was AWFUL as the beggar woman (and unfortunately, she played the role both times I saw the show). I thought her interpretation of the role -- if you can even call it that --was completely and weirdly off. I shudder to think what she'd do as Mrs. Lovett.

[@jennybrandt5188]

I'll just say this: After seeing several renditions of "Sweeney Todd," when Sweeney Todd is great and Mrs. Lovett is bad, it feels like you are watching a one-man show. I'm sure that goes both ways. However, I have high hopes for Sutton and Aaron. I'm just wondering if Sutton will need to hold back some of that energy so she doesn't take over the musical.@@jameshicks6435

[@patricknyhan7491]

I’m personally super excited to see Aaron Tveit. Lots of people are complaining that he’s not a bass, but basses have already had Groban. As a tenor, I’m super excited to see a tenor take on Todd.

[@musiciangamer5506]

Josh Groban is not a bass by any means

[@Mrs.Magix58]

Josh Groban isn't a bass and Sweeney Todd isn't a bass role. it's bass-baritone.

[@ralphsepulveda5335]

Years ago, I saw an extraordinary production of "Sweeney" at the Kennedy Center starring Brian Stokes Mitchell and Christine Baranski. To this day, I've not seen a greater Sweeney than Mitchell's. I don't understand why he wasn't tapped for this.

[@kittymae335]

When I saw the announcement on instagram I was already a few drinks in and I had to restrain myself from commenting a string of question marks

[@m-b-s-1-8-3-2]

I think Sutton can do it. I really do. Now, admittedly I am a very big Aaron Tveit fan. I booked a last minute trip to see him in Moulin Rouge in April 2022 before he left in May 2022 because I really wanted to see him as Christian. He’s one of my favorite musical theatre performers. However, I’d be lying if I said, I wasn’t nervous about him as Sweeney. I think he can absolutely do it acting wise. It’ll tap into a certain level of acting that we’ve never really seen from him before, and that will be amazing to see. It’s the vocal aspect of the role that gives me pause. He’s talked at great length about how he is someone who takes immense care of his voice, but a lot of us love him for his wonderful lyric tenor voice, and the main reason I’m nervous is that I don’t want him to damage his voice trying to hit notes that he can’t. Although, he did admit to Sweeney Todd being a dream role of his in a couple interviews when he was promoting the second season of Schmigadoon, so maybe he has a range that we’ve never heard before and my worry is for nothing, especially since I doubt he’d take a role if he wasn’t 100% sure that he could do it. I try not to judge people going into roles before they’ve actually had a chance to do them, but I don’t necessarily think it’s wrong to be nervous about what they’ll bring to the table. Some people will like it, others won’t, and that’s okay. They are welcome to surprise me, and I want them to surprise me.

[@AnnelisR]

I’m looking forward to seeing Sutton and Aaron! Sutton makes perfect sense for Mrs Lovett and while I can see why people don’t like Aaron for this, I’m excited to see something different. We’ve already heard and seen the classic Sweeney - maybe we’ll like what Aaron and his voice brings. Additionally, this is clearly stunt casting and that’s unfortunately kind of just the direction Broadway is moving in these days. I’m not so sure the show will survive without stunt casts. This way, they can squeeze Josh and Annaleigh until they exit, then audiences can take advantage of the non-famous pricing for a bit, then it’ll skyrocket again once Aaron and Sutton enter and it’ll probably be sold out every night. Not saying I love it, but big picture, it all makes sense.

[@julianasuplee6900]

Agree with everything you said. And yes, Broadway is still a business.

[@cmaragoudakis]

I’m sure people said the same thing about Josh Groban in the beginning that they’re now saying about Aaron Tveit, that he didn’t have the right voice for it, and we were proven wrong. I’m sure Aaron Tveit will do fantastically.

[@tracyhickson5044]

Whatever happened to wait and see? There’s being skeptical, which I totally get and respect that but the reaction to their casting is a bit overblown. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@mwmheps]

Omg I really hope Sunday in the Park with George comes back to London... I'm not sure if I ever got refunded for my tickets :D

[@mwmheps]

I think Sutton makes sense to me as Mrs. Lovett, I agree Aaron Tveit less so

[@NYetton]

I saw the show in June. Tveit may have a different kind of voice, but at least the man can *act*. Groban, for all his vocal skill and talent, can't really begin to grasp the concept, his performance was so absurdly flat and Ashford had to compensate incredibly hard just to accommodate that fact. I think Tveit and Foster can bring an interesting chemistry to these characters and perform them successfully. The show successfully brought the Judge Turpin into a higher register, I think that Tveit has the acting range to manage it. I'm willing reserve judgement until they get on stage and I'm eager to see how it turns out.

[@nonyabusiness2510]

Agree completely. Groban wasn't always convincing from an acting perspective.

[@Anime_theatre_lover]

I’m going to NYC in March for my sweet 16. I am seeing 3 Broadway shows which are Sweeney Todd, Six and How to dance in Ohio. I’m honestly really really nervous about Aaron Tveit being Sweeney. I love Aaron so much, he is one of my favorite Broadway actors, but I really don’t like the fact that a tenor is playing a very iconic role that is made for a bass-baritone.

[@riverebec1]

Sutton Foster and Aaron Tveit. I'm a major fan of both of these Broadway superheroes but am not too sure about this casting either.

[@naominixon6543]

I personally cannot wait to see Sutton Foster in Sweeney Todd in April!

[@ThexImperfectionist]

Can I ask whether we can expect to see reviews of the rest of the shows you saw recently on Broadway? I was looking forward to your thoughts on shows like The Cottage and The Great Gatsby.

[@PKM25]

The curled bangs are banging 🤌🏻

[@williamevans9426]

Good heavens, I know you're enthusiastic about your career but how do you keep going, on both sides of the Atlantic? I'm exhausted just thinking about it all.

[@broadwaymike92]

Really excited for Sutton as Mrs. Lovett. She'll do a great job..... the humor and the energy of the character. Totally see it. Aaron is gonna be interesting since he is mainly a tenor and Sweeney is a Baritone..... yes, he's more of an Anthony for sure. Lucky to have seen Josh and Annaleigh this past Summer. Still gonna give them a chance. I'm also seeing Sutton next month on opening night of ONCE UPON A MATTRESS at City Center Encores which she'll be doing the 2 weeks before she jumps into Sweeney Todd. She and Aaron started their rehearsals now for the show early on. Big surprise of Sutton's casting. I literally thought if MATTRESS does well. that's going to be Sutton's next return to Broadway!! She's gonna slay as "Princess Winifried" in that too. She has the comedic chops for that character. Love her!!! Saw her in Young Frankenstein and twice in MUSIC MAN. I've also done several of her dance cardio classes she teaches at The Limit Fitness in the city..... her energy is lit!!! Sooooooooo sweet and humble!!

[@jennybrandt5188]

Enunciation and diction are key. I saw a lot of other older people at the musical. I found it very refreshing when I could understand the words. Of course, I had listened to the music before I went and had seen the musical so I had a good idea of what they were saying. Patti LuPone was excellent in the role as Mrs. Lovett and so was Angela Lansbury.

[@if3359]

Sutton seems like a wonderful choice to me, I don't see why she wouldn't fit in. Aaron I'm wondering about. Definitely seems like a weird choice, also vocally because he's a clear tenor. But he is a massive talent, and maybe he'll surprise us.

[@williamgardiner2010]

Pity they can’t get Imelda Staunton to reprise her terrific Mrs Lovett (Chichester Festival Theatre and the Adelphi/West End that he stayed on in Chichester after a matinee to see the evening performance. I recall him walking down the aisle cheering the production much like he did for the National Theatre’s stunning revival of Follies. Sondheim famously approached Staunton after seeing her in Sweeney Todd and suggested she play Mama Rose in Gypsy. But Broadway won’t get to see her Mrs Lovett as it’s all go for Dominic Cooke’s revival (delayed by Covid) of Hello Dolly! at the Palladium next year!

[@gavinneedham2013]

Miscast? Yeah probably. Did I buy tickets after already seeing Josh and Annaleigh? Yes. On their second scheduled performance.

[@tksm97]

unrelated to the video - would you consider joining blu sky? not to add to your pile of social medias, but i don’t use many of the others all that much anymore, so i figured i might as well ask!! (also, deeply frustrating to have to misspell the social media in question to avoid youtube instantly deleting my comment)

[@abysheppard4767]

I saw Norm Lewis and Carolee Carmello in Sweeney off-broadway. I have been a die-hard tveiter-tot since for at least a decade and I still don’t think you can get more perfect casting than what I was so lucky to see in 2017.

[@bexyPTX]

I would 100% go see them in it if it was at all feasible for me. After seeing so many people talk about it across social media, I'm SO curious

[@juliannehannes11]

They need to get Aaron a dialect coach because he can't do accents to save his life

[@ccuda480]

I’m wanting to go back to see Sweeney in between the cast change to see the current understudies

[@vicg2652]

This feels like high school musical casting. We asked the two stars of the theater department what they wanted to do for their senior year and they’d just watched the Tim Burton movie. So we’re Sweeney even though it doesn’t fit them at all.

[@kallen868]

If they are basing their choice on the movie...I guess all you can do is sit back and watch them struggle. 😉😬

[@delaneyewert5399]

I think Sutton will be fantastic. I’m skeptical with Tveit’s casting, but I don’t he would accept this role if he didn’t think he was capable of doing it, I’m hopeful

[@bigsteele28]

Wow. I'm so surprised that two skinny, traditionally attractive people were cast when hundreds of incredible character actors exist!

[@kentcozad7275]

I thought Ashford was terrible. All juvenile artifice in a role that has so much depth.

[@davidstewart9780]

if anyone was mis-cast, it was Johnny Depp and Helena BC in the awful Tim Burton version.

[@robertplattner1636]

I think we should ship in Anthony Warlow from Australia to play Sweeney. It would work in context of the story, and his voice is perfect for it.

[@Sharpe1502]

I think on an acting front, Aaron Tveit is gonna be amazing. But I don’t see Aaron Tveit matching Groban’s comedic beats. As others have said, I’m sad that a bass/baritone isn’t getting cast. That said, if they were gonna cast someone with a higher register who had star power, I personally would’ve liked to have seen Ramin Karimloo (a basic choice I know, but he is BELOVED on Broadway and West End. And I think he would’ve killed in the role.). Especially since he was just a romantic lead in Funny Girl and there’s some overlap between him and Josh Groban (Anatoly from Chess).

[@OldSkoolDJFX]

I thought Emily’s accent had an Eastern European twang to it which I really loved. This would be in keeping miss Lovett could have had Polish parents for example. Or it’s just a really ban cockney accent! 😂😂

[@psaxe]

Attend the tale of Tenor Todd. The lighter tone will sound quite odd. The role belongs to a baritone. But Broadway has banished ‘em, who could have known? Now Sweeney, through an act of God, Is Tenor Todd The Irish Tenor McSweeney The role will sound so light and free, And understudied by Anthony He’ll option up the lower notes, 'Til much of the audience slits their own throats. A tenor A Tenor Todd The Irish Tenor McSweeney Swing your razor wide, McSweeney! Sing it, Tenor boy! Kill, then bake, and at each wake sing, "Danny Boy!"